Bleacher cushion

ABSTRACT

A seat cushion includes a cushioned bottom portion and a back portion. The back portion is flexibly connected to the bottom portion. An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the bottom portion to a bleacher. A constraint element restrains the back portion for rotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the cushioned bottom portion. The back portion does not include any rigid cross members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/172,171, filed Jun. 30, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/846,136, filed May 14, 2004, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,926,360, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/348,785, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.6,739,667; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/890,818, filed Jul. 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,605, whichis a continuation-in-part of the '136 application; and acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,366,filed Jan. 28, 2005, which is a continuation of the '136 application;the contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to seat cushions. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to cushions that are attachable to or usablewith stadium seating, such as bleachers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bleacher-type seating is often provided for spectator events such assporting events, concerts, and the like. Such seating is often providedin a permanent setting, such as a stadium, a semi-permanent setting,such as retractable bleachers in a gymnasium, or on a temporary basisfor specific events. Bleachers provide simple, efficient and convenientseating for a large number of spectators; however, bleachers do notnecessarily provide the most comfortable seating nor do they typicallyidentify an individual seating location.

To improve the comfort of such seating, patrons sometimes bring theirown seats or cushions. While an improvement in comfort, such a solutionrequires the patron to remember to bring their own device, which isoften an afterthought and/or a very easily overlooked consideration whenattending an otherwise exciting event. In addition, having spectatorshauling their own chairs or cushion into a stadium seating arrangementcan be inconvenient and possibly even dangerous to other spectators.That is, walkways are narrow and space is extremely limited so carryingextra items (especially if large, bulky or cumbersome) presents achallenge.

Thus, there exists a need to balance the conveniences and mass seatingoffered through stadium or bleacher seating with a degree of personalcomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to one embodiment, is a removable seatcushion for attachment to a base portion that includes an upwardlyfacing support surface. The seat portion includes a bottom cushionedportion adapted to set on the upwardly facing surface to provide apadded seat bottom. An attachment mechanism is provided for attachingthe bottom cushioned portion to the base portion. A backrest portion isflexibly connected to the bottom cushioned portion such that thebackrest portion will rotate in a generally vertical plane when thebottom cushioned portion is attached to the base portion. A flexibleconstraint element is attached at a first end to the bottom cushionedportion and at a second end to the backrest portion for restraining thebackrest portion from rotating beyond a desired angle with respect tothe bottom cushioned portion. Optionally, the flexible constraintelement may be an adjustable strap, or a pair of adjustable straps. Theattachment mechanism may include a loop on a bottom surface of thebottom cushioned portion which engages a bracket that is adapted tofasten to the base portion. The bracket may include a pair of jaws toengage the bleacher seat. The backrest may be free from any rigid crossmembers.

According to another embodiment, the present invention is an attachmentbracket for attaching a seat cushion to a bleacher seat. The bracketincludes a front jaw with a front hook portion for engaging a frontportion of a bleacher seat, a long horizontal leg extending from thehook portion to a location near a rear portion of the bleacher seat whenthe front jaw is in engagement with the front portion of the bleacherseat, and a generally upwardly extending rear leg. A rear jaw isprovided for engaging a rear portion of the bleacher seat. The rear jawincludes a generally upwardly extending leg in close proximity to thegenerally upwardly extending rear leg of the front jaw. A tighteningmember draws the generally upwardly extending legs together to securethe jaws to the bleacher seat.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. The use of descriptive termssuch as up, down, vertical and horizontal are for illustrative purposesonly, are not meant to be limiting, and are used by way of example withrespect to the illustrations presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stadium chair attached to a bleacher inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectional view of the stadium chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portion of a frame of the stadium chairof FIG. 1 along with an attachment bracket useful in securing thestadium chair to a bleacher.

FIG. 4 is a side, planar view illustrating a portion of the stadiumchair frame and the attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp.

FIG. 5 is side, planar view of an alternative attachment clamp.

FIG. 6 is a rear, planar view of a securing strap for securing a seatcushion to the frame of the stadium chair.

FIG. 7 is a top, planar view of the seat cushion and the securing strapof FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a top, planar view of the seat cushion with alternativesecurement straps for securing the seat cushion to the frame.

FIG. 9 is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher with a backed stadiumseat attached.

FIG. 10 is front/top planar view of the stadium seat for the backedbleacher.

FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a portion of a back cushion of thestadium seat for the backed bleacher.

FIG. 12 is a side, planar view of a back cushion bracket for securingthe stadium seat for the backed bleacher to the back rest portion of thebleacher.

FIG. 13 is a side, planer view illustrating a portion of the stadiumchair frame and attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view depicting a cushion attached to aportion of a stadium seat, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view showing a cushion, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a back planar view illustrating a cushion, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a seat cushion according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the seat cushion according to FIG.17.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the seat cushion according to FIG.17.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the seat cushion according to FIG.17.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the seat cushion according to FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the seat cushion according to FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 18;and

FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 18,including a zip tie retaining the backrest in an upright orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cushions of the present invention, according to one embodiment, canbe used is to provide designated, comfortable seating to select patronsin a stadium seating arrangement. For example, the stadium may rent thepresent stadium cushions to any patron who so chooses. In such ascenario, stadium personnel would most likely secure all of the stadiumcushions to the bleachers in the appropriate locations before thearrival of the patrons. This provides many advantages. For example, itcan provide a source of advertising, by allowing printed matter to beprominently displayed on the stadium cushions awaiting the arrival ofpatrons. It also allows a particular space or seating location to bephysically identified and/or reserved for a particular patron.

Alternatively, the cushions of the present invention are quicklyattachable and detachable from the stadium seating such that a patroncould bring the cushion to the stadium, attach it to the patron's seat,and remove the cushion from the stadium when the patron leaves at theend of the event.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stadium chair 10 attached to a bleacher12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thebleacher 12 can take many forms. As illustrated, the bleacher 12 may bean elongated plank-like member having a planar upper seating surface 14,a lower surface 16, a front face 18 and rear face 20. The bleacher 12may be made from various materials including wood or aluminum. Asillustrated in phantom, the bleacher 12 may also include a recess 22having one or more lips 24 and one or more ribs (not shown) to provideadditional structural support.

The stadium chair 10 rests on the upper seating surface 14 and issecured to both the front face 18 and rear face 20 of the bleacher. Theparticular configuration of the bleacher 12 may affect which particularsecurement members (described more fully below) should be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stadium chair 10 includes a frame 26. Asillustrated, frame 26 is formed from a tubular or cylindrical memberthat is appropriately bent at predetermined angles to form the framestructure. The frame 26 could be formed from any suitable material suchas metal (e.g., aluminum, steel tubing or steel rod), plastic or thelike. The choice of materials will determine whether the frame 26 isformed via bending or as a pre-shaped component (e.g., molded, cast,injection molded). As illustrated, the frame 26 is a single componentforming a first generally U-shaped bracket 46 having a first faceengaging member 50 and a first lower surface engaging member 54.Likewise, the frame 26 includes at an opposite end a second generallyU-shaped bracket 48 having a second face engaging member 52 and a secondlower surface engaging member 56.

The frame 26 includes a first horizontal member 36 and a secondhorizontal member 38 which rest atop the upper seating surface 14 whenthe stadium chair 10 is positioned as illustrated. The horizontalmembers 36, 38 define a seat portion 34 of the frame 26. Depending fromthe horizontal members 36, 38 and extending upwards (as illustrated) isa back portion 32 of the frame 26 that is defined by a first uprightmember 40 and a second upright member 42. The first and second uprightmembers 40, 42 are optionally interconnected by an upright cross member60. The upper section of back portion 32 may be angled backwards or awayfrom bleacher 12. This provides a more comfortable seat back for patronsby preventing the upper corners from engaging the back of the patron. Inaddition, the angled portion aides in securing a backrest 28 to theframe 26. That is, backrest 28 is a flexible member having an interiorcavity allowing the backrest 28 to be slipped over the back portion 32.The angle can increase the tension of the backrest 28, making it moresecure. In addition, clips (not shown) or other attachment members canbe used to temporarily or permanently secure the backrest 28 to theframe 26.

A seat cushion 30 is placed atop the seat portion 34 of frame 26. Theseat cushion 30 provides a comfortable seating surface for the patron.The cushion 30 and backrest 28 can be made from any appropriate materialsuch as vinyl, plastic, or the like. If exposed to the environment, thematerial chosen preferably is suitably durable and/or weather resistant.The cushion 30 and/or the backrest 28 can include a desired amount ofpadding or cushioning to achieve a desired size, shape and degree ofcomfort.

In use, the frame 26 is positioned so that the first and secondgenerally U-shaped brackets 46, 48 loop over the front face 18 of thebleacher 12. The shape of the generally U-shaped brackets 46, 48 and theoverall rigidity of the frame 26 thus prevent the stadium chair 10 fromtipping either forwards or backwards. An attachment bracket 44 ispositioned on the back portion 32 of the frame 26, between the first andsecond uprights 40, 42. The attachment bracket 44 provides additionalstrength and rigidity to the overall frame assembly. An L-shapedattachment clamp 62 is releasably secured to the attachment bracket 44and is positioned so that a portion thereof is below the bleacher 12, incontact with lower surface 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, as attachmentclamp 62 is tightened against attachment bracket 44, attachment clamp 62frictionally engages bleacher 12, effectively clamping stadium chair 10to the bleacher 12. In this manner, stadium chair 10 is prevented frombeing tilted forwards or backwards; sliding forwards or backwards (e.g.,off the bleacher 12), lifted vertically; and if sufficient tension isapplied, from sliding horizontally along upper surface 14. Thus, adefined location on the bleacher 12 is presented that provides acomfortable, backed seating position to a patron.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment bracket44. The attachment bracket 44 is preferably a rigid member made ofsuitably strong material such as metal. For example, attachment bracket44 could be stamped, cast, bent or otherwise fabricated from steel,aluminum or the like. Attachment bracket 44 is a channeled member havingsome degree of depth or thickness. At opposing ends, a first tab 70 anda second tab 72 are provided. The tabs 70, 72 may be bent around uprightmember 40, 42 respectively to secure the attachment bracket 44 to theframe 26. Other methods of attachment such as bolting, crimping,clamping, welding, or the like may also be used to secure the attachmentbracket 44 to the upright members 40, 42 of the frame 26. As the tabs70, 72 are bent around upright members 40, 42, they form channels 74, 76that ultimately receive and frictionally engage the upright members 40,42. Thus, the attachment bracket is securely attached to a givenposition on the back portion 32 of the frame 26.

The attachment bracket 44 is provided with one or more threadedthroughbores 78, 80, 82. If multiple clamps 62 are to be attached theymay be balanced by utilizing left and right threaded throughbores 80,82. If only one clamp 62 is to be used, it may normally be secured tocentral threaded throughbore 78 or alternatively to any throughbore thatis unobstructed. That is, the seat 10 may be positioned as desired andthe multiple throughbores 78, 80, 82 provide for multiple attachmentpoints. Thus, if one or more attachment points is obscured or occludedby an obstruction (e.g., a frame member of the bleacher 12), it is asimple matter to utilize one of the other unobstructed attachmentpoints. Fewer threaded throughbores may be provided, more may beprovided, and different configurations could also be utilized asdesired.

By utilizing an attachment bracket 44, frame 26 can be made as arelatively simple and straightforward component. That is, the frame 26can be easily and readily produced as can the attachment bracket 44.These two components can be quickly and easily joined to produce acomplete frame assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates how attachment clamp 62 is secured to attachmentbracket 44 and how clamp 62 engages bleacher 12. A threaded member suchas bolt 84 is passed through an upper portion of clamp 62 so as toengage one of the threaded throughbores 78, 80, 82 illustrated in FIG.3. Rotating the bolt 84 causes the clamp 62 to abut and engage theattachment bracket 44, in the known way. Thus, by tightening the bolt84, the clamp 62 is secured; this in turn effectively secures the chair10 to the bleacher 12. As shown, the clamp 62 is spaced from the rearface 20; however, these two portions could be in contact. Likewise, asillustrated, clamp 62 contacts the lower surface 16; however, a smallgap could also be present.

In a particularly efficient arrangement, one of the clamps 62 could beloosely attached to each of the chairs 10 prior to installation on thebleachers. Thus, the installer could position the chair 10, pivot theclamp into place, tighten the bolt 84 with a wrench or the like and thechair 10 is installed. When installing hundreds or even thousands ofchairs at one time, this efficiency is well placed. Alternatively,various other known attachment mechanisms could be used to secure theclamp 62 to the attachment bracket 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 13,the throughbore 78, 80, 82 need not be threaded. Rather, a threadedmember 84 (e.g., a bolt) could be passed therethrough and secured with afastener 87, such as a nut, wing nut, cotter pin, or the like. This may,in some cases, allow installation and removal without requiring aseparate tool. For example, a wing nut could be manually tightened orloosened by hand. In such an example, the bolt head may be positionedunderneath the seat cushion 30 so that the wing nut would be exposedfrom behind the chair 10. Additionally, the clamp 62 could be secured toattachment bracket 44 via any other attachment clamps, levers,connectors or brackets that would allow the clamp 62 to be appropriatelytensioned against the attachment bracket 44 with a desired degree ofmanipulation.

As mentioned above, some bleachers 14 may have lips 24 and recesses 22(FIG. 1). In such a case, a J-clamp 86, as illustrated in FIG. 5, can beutilized. That is, the J-clamp 86 is secured to the attachment bracket44 instead of the L-shaped attachment clamp 62. The J-clamp 86 includesa lip 88 that is received within recess 22 an may abut lip 24. TheJ-clamp provides additional security when attaching the seats 10.

With the use of either type of clamp 62, 86 the attachment of thestadium chair 10 to the bleacher 12 is a relatively quick and easyprocess that results in semi-permanent attachment. That is, the seatcannot be readily removed by a patron (without the aid of a tool such asa wrench). This serves to protect the chairs 10, reduce vandalism,reduce accidental damage, and prevent theft. Also, the chairs (if leftover time) need only be positioned once.

In furtherance of many of these same goals, it may be desirable tosecure the seat cushion 30 to the frame 26. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate havinga single securement strap 90 connected to opposite rear corners of theseat cushion 30 that can be looped around the upright members 40, 42.This serves to hold the cushion 30 in the position illustrated andprevent it from being tipped forward. To attach, the cushion 30 islowered into place while the strap 90 is simply slipped over the uprightmember 40, 42. Alternatively, the strap 90 could be openable orremovable (e.g., hook and loop type fasteners. FIG. 8 illustrates anembodiment where two securing loops 92, 94 are provided. Each loop 92,94 is placed around one upright member 40, 42 respectively. Again, theindividual loops 92, 94 could be slid around the U-brackets 46, 48 ofthe frame 26, or they could be openable (e.g., buttons, hook and looptype fasteners, etc.). With solid loops 92, 94 it would be difficult andperhaps impossible for the seat cushion 30 to be removed while the frame26 is secured to the bleacher, depending of course on how tightly theframe 26 engages the bleacher 12. In those cases where the cushion 30could be removed or when using strap 90, the relevant straps could befurther secured to the frame 26 and/or attachment bracket 44 withlocking members (e.g., zip ties), if desired.

FIG. 9 is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher 105 with a backedstadium seat 110 attached. A backed bleacher 105 is any stadium bleacheror bench type seat provided with a structure to support or abut apatron's back. The example illustrated includes a support member 102 anda bleacher seat 100. A bleacher back 104 is coupled to the bleacher seatby a back support column 106. Any number of arrangements are possiblefor backed bleacher seats and the back and seat portion may be integral,connected or completely separate.

The backed bleacher stadium seat 110 includes a seat cushion 112 whichrests on the bleacher seat 100 to provide cushioned comfort to thepatron. A back cushion 114 is connected to the seat cushion 112 by oneor more flexible members. As illustrated, a first connecting strap 116and a second connecting strap 118 act as the flexible member in thisembodiment.

The back cushion 114 includes a front surface 120 and an opposing rearsurface 122 that is proximal the bleacher back 104. A back cushionbracket 124 securely couples the back cushion 114 to the bleacher backsupport 106. One such bracket 124 is illustrated and is sufficient forattachment; however, more than one bracket 124 (e.g., spacing two suchbrackets on opposite ends) may also be utilized to attach the backcushion 114. As the seat cushion 112 is coupled to the back cushion 114,the seat cushion is likewise retained proximate to the bleacher 105,though having some degree of permissible movement. FIG. 10 illustratesthe interconnection between the back cushion 114 and the seat cushion112, which are freely movable with respect to one another to the extentthat the flexible connecting straps 116, 118 permit such a range ofmovement.

The backed bleacher stadium seat 110 can be attached to most any backedbleacher 105 to provide cushioned comfort for seating and for backsupport. As disclosed above, the stadium seat 110 could also besemi-permanently attached to the bleacher seat 105 by virtue of thebracket 124.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of the stadium seat 110allowing for semi-permanent attachment. The rear surface 122 of the backcushion is provided with an attachment strap 130 that spans across atleast a portion of the rear surface. As illustrated, strap 130 isprovided from one vertical (as illustrated) edge to the opposite edge.This allows maximum adjustability.

A back cushion bracket 124 includes substantially C-shaped brackethaving a strap loop 132 at one end and a threaded throughbore 135 at theother end for receiving a locking bolt 134. The bracket 124 is placedover the top portion of the bleacher back 104 (FIG. 9) and the lockingbolt is advanced so as to exert pressure against the bleacher back 104and hold the bracket 124 in place relative to the bleacher back 104. Theattachment strap 130 of the cushion 114 is received by the strap loop132, thus securing the back cushion 114. Depending upon the tensionexerted, the back cushion may be horizontally slidable relative to thebleacher back 104; the amount of such movement being determined by thelength and flexibility of the attachment strap 30.

In addition to using the stadium seat 110 on a backed bleacher, the seat110 may also be used on a club seat. Club seats are often provided instadiums and have a seat portion and a back portion forming a chair. Theseat portion often folds upwards towards the back portion to allow morespace in an aisle. The use of the stadium seat 110 on a club seat issubstantially similar to the use described above. In addition, the seatcushion 112 may be provided with a strap (not separately shown) that issubstantially similar to the attachment strap 130 provided on the backcushion 114 (FIG. 11). Such a strap could then be slid under the seatportion of the club seat, serving to retain the seat cushion 112 inplace. This is particularly useful on those club seats that foldupwards, as the seat cushion 112 need not be repositioned or reattachedeach time the patron rises and the club seat folds.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stadium cushion 200 attached to abacked bleacher 202, according to an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the backed bleacher has anseparate bleacher back 204 for each seat. The bleacher back 204 isconnected to the bench or bleacher 206 by back support elements 208.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the stadium cushion 200, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The stadium cushion 200 hasa seat cushion 220 and a back cushion 222 that are connected by twoconnection elements 224. The connection elements 224, in one aspect ofthe invention, are two flexible straps that allow for the respectivepositions of the two cushions 220, 222 to be varied for ease of use andtransport. Alternatively, the connection elements 224 can be any knowndevice allowing for flexible connection of the seat cushion 220 and theback cushion 222. In a further alternative, the connection element 224can be a one element allowing for flexible connection of the twocushions 220, 222.

The back cushion 222 has a seat back attachment element 226. Accordingto one embodiment, the seat back attachment element 226 is a stretchablestrap that stretches along the back side of the back cushion 222 and isconnected at each end 228 to the cushion 222. Alternatively, the seatback attachment element can be any known device for attaching the seatcushion 222 to the seat back 204.

The back cushion 222 also has support attachment elements 230. Accordingto one embodiment, the support attachment elements 230 are adjustableplastic loops that are connected to the back cushion 222 on opposingsides of the back cushion 222. In one embodiment, the support attachmentelements 230 are similar to zip ties. Alternatively, the supportattachment elements 230 are any known devices for attaching the backcushion to the back support elements 208.

FIG. 16 depicts the back of the back cushion 222 and the underside ofthe seat cushion 220, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The underside of the seat cushion 220 includes a seatattachment element 240. According to one embodiment, the seat attachmentelement 240 is a stretchable strap that stretches along the underside ofthe seat cushion 220 and is connected at each end 242 to the cushion220. Alternatively, the seat attachment element 240 can be any knowndevice for attaching the seat cushion 220 to the bleacher seat 206.

In use, the stadium cushion 200 is configured to be used with severaltypes of stadium seating. That is, the stadium cushion 200 can beattached to a bleacher seat with separate seat backs as shown in FIG.14. The seat back attachment element 226 is stretched over the seat back204 by positioning the back cushion 222 such that the seat back 204 isslid between the seat back attachment element 226 and the back cushion222. The seat back attachment element 226 thereby stabilizes andmaintains the position of the back cushion 222 in relation to the seatback 204.

In addition, the stadium cushion 200 according to one embodiment can befurther attached to a stadium seat via the support attachment elements230. Each element 230 can be attached to a back support element 208 asshown in FIG. 14. The back cushion 222 is thereby further stabilized.

Further, the stadium cushion 200 according to one aspect of the presentinvention is further attached to the stadium seat using the seatattachment element 240 as shown in FIG. 14. The seat attachment element240 is stretched over the seat 206 by positioning the seat cushion 220such that the seat 206 is slid between the seat attachment element 240and the seat cushion 220. The seat attachment element 240 therebystabilizes and maintains the position of the seat cushion 220 inrelation to the seat 206.

Alternatively, the stadium cushion 200 could also be attached to anyclub seat as described herein. In a further alternative, the stadiumcushion 200 is intended to be attachable to several other types ofstadium seating.

Shown generally in the drawings is an additional alternative embodimentof a seat cushion 310 that is suitable for attachment to a bleacher 312(shown in phantom lines), or other similar base portion. As will be seenin the drawings and following description, the seat cushion 310 isadapted for quick and convenient attachment to a bleacher 312 in asemi-permanent fashion to provide a comfortable seat that providespadding and back support for a user.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a seat cushion 310 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The top portion of a bleacher 312is indicated in phantom lines. It should be appreciated that the seatcushion 310 could be modified to fit a variety of sizes and shapes ofbleachers, or other support structures. The seat cushion 310 includes abottom portion 314 and a back portion 316. The bottom cushioned portion314 provides a padded surface on which a user may sit, and the backportion 316 provides a backrest to provide support for a user's back.

The bottom portion 314 is a padded cushion. It may include a covering320 surrounding and protecting a pad 322 (not visible in FIG. 17, seeFIG. 24). The covering 320 may be made of any suitable protectivematerial. Most preferably the material will be flexible, durable,comfortable to sit on, and weather resistant. Preferably, it will notfade excessively, or degrade significantly from prolonged exposure tosunlight, and other elements. Suitable coverings 320 may include nylonfabric, vinyl, canvass, rubber, and the like. It may be desired to matchthe coloring of the covering 320 with the color of the bleacher 312, orwith the color scheme of a school or team. The covering 320 could bedecorated with a logo, name, or other image, if desired. The pad 322 isincluded to provide a comfortable cushioning layer between a user and ableacher 312. The pad 322 may be made from any suitable cushioningmaterial such as sponge, foam rubber, synthetic stuffing, and the like.It should be thick enough to provide comfortable cushioning, but not sothick as to unduly raise the height of the seating surface. Preferablyit is deep enough to cover the entire depth of the bleacher 312. Itshould be wide enough to provide a comfortable space for a user to sit.The pad 322 may be generally flat, or may be contoured to match a user'sanatomy.

The back portion 316 includes a central cushioned portion 324 betweentwo riser portions 326. The central cushioned portion 324 is formedsimilarly to the bottom portion 314 described above. It has a covering320 around a pad 322 (not shown in FIG. 17, see FIG. 24). The riserportions 326 provide support and stability to the central cushionedportion 324. The bottom portion 314 and the back portion 316 arepreferably joined together in a hinged or pivotal relationship, near aback end of the bottom portion 314 and a bottom end of the back portion316.

A gusset 328 is provided near the top of each riser 326. This gusset 328serves as an attachment point for a flexible belt 318. A similartriangular gusset 330 is provided near the front of the bottom portion314, and serves as an attachment and reinforcement point for theflexible belt 318 to the bottom portion 314. The gussets 328 and 330 arepreferably made of a strong, flexible material similar to the covering320. They may be attached to the covering 320 of their respectivecushioned portions 314 and 316 by sewing, riveting, adhesive or otherfastening mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively,the gussets 328 and 330 may be formed from the same piece of material astheir respective coverings. The lower gusset 330 is provided with aneyelet 332, which is preferably in the form of a reinforced grommet madeof metal or plastic.

Belt 318 is preferably adjustable in length. As such, the belt 318 maybe formed by two separate straps connected by a buckle 334. Othermechanisms for lengthening and shortening the belt will be known tothose of skill in the art, for example, a hook and loop fastener such ascommonly sold under the trade name Velcro. The belt 318 acts as aflexible constraint element for restraining the back portion 316 fromrotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the bottom portion 314.The belt 318 should be made from a thin, flexible material that issufficiently strong to maintain the desired angle between the bottomportion 314 and the back portion 316 when a user sitting on the bottomportion 314 leans back against the back portion 316. The preferredmaterial is a nylon belt, but other materials may be acceptable as well.

An attachment clamp 336 is used to fasten the seat cushion 310 to thebleacher 312. A patch 338 may be applied at the rear bottom of the backsurface of the bottom portion 314 in order to protect and reinforce thecovering 320 against contact with the attachment clamp 336. A loop 340may be provided on the back surface of the bottom portion 314 inalignment with and above the attachment clamp 336. A zip tie 375 (seeFIG. 24) or other fastener (not shown) may be threaded through the loop340 to connect it with the attachment bracket 336 in order to maintainthe back portion 316 in a generally upright orientation.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the seat cushion 310 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19is a front view of the seat cushion 310 shown in FIG. 17. As can be seenin FIGS. 2 and 3, in use, the seat cushion 310 rests flat against thetop surface of a bleacher seat 312. Specifically, the bottom surface ofthe bottom portion 314 rests on top of the bleacher 312. As seen in FIG.18, attachment clamp 336 includes a rear jaw 342 that extends below andengages the bleacher 312. A front jaw 344 extends all the way to thefront of the bleacher 312, and is visible in both FIGS. 2 and 3. Athreaded fastener 346 is used to join the two jaws 342 and 344 together.Preferably the jaws 342 and 344 are made from steel bent into thedesired shape. The jaws 342 and 344 should be durable, rigid, andresistant to corrosion.

The features of the attachment clamp 336 are best seen in FIGS. 20 and24. With reference to FIG. 20, it can be seen that the rear jaw 342 is agenerally L-shaped bracket that includes a vertical leg 348 and ahorizontal leg 350. In use, the rear jaw 342 wraps around and engages arear portion of the bleacher 312. With further reference to FIG. 20, itcan be seen that the front jaw 344 is a bracket with a somewhatserpentine cross section. It has a rear vertical leg 352, a longhorizontal leg 354, a front vertical leg 356, and a front horizontal leg358. Threaded fastener 346 engages a threaded receiver 360 to fasten therear jaw 342 to the front jaw 344, and thereby clamp the bleacher 312between the jaws 342 and 344. The threaded receiver 360 may be a loosenut. More preferably, the threaded receiver 360 is fixed, as by welding,to the rear vertical leg 352 of the front jaw 344. It should beappreciated that the orientation of the threaded fastener 346 and thethreaded receiver 360 could be reversed, though the orientation shown ispreferred for ease of access to the head of the threaded fastener 346,and so that the end of the threaded fastener 346 does not extend into anarea between bleachers 310 where people may be walking and catch theirlegs on the exposed end. In the preferred orientation shown, patch 338reinforces and protects covering 320 from snagging or wearing fromcontact and rubbing with the end of the threaded fastener 346 and thefront jaw 344. The rear vertical leg 352 of the front jaw 344 extendshigher than the vertical leg of the rear jaw 342, and includes a slot362 near its top end. It should be appreciated that the relative heightsof the rear vertical legs 348 and 354 reversed, and the slot 362 couldbe provided in the rear jaw 342 as an alternative.

As best seen in FIG. 22, the bottom surface of the bottom portion 314includes a belt 364 with a loop 366 formed about midway across the widthof the seat bottom portion 314. The loop 366 is formed in the shownembodiment by leaving a central portion of the belt 364 loose, orunstitched, from the bottom surface of the bottom portion 314. The loop316 is used to attach the seat 310 to the attachment clamp 336.Specifically, the front jaw 344 is threaded through the loop 366 untilthe loop 316 is in the position shown in FIG. 20 on the long horizontalleg 354.

The back portion 316 and the bottom portion 314 are connected in ahinged or pivotal relationship. In the embodiment shown, a hinge 372 isformed by the covering 320. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 24, a singlepiece of material is used form the covering 320 for both the backportion 316 and the bottom portion 314. A gap, or space, is left betweenthe pads 322 of the back 314 and bottom 314 portions within the covering320. This gap provides a flexible portion that acts as a hinge 372.Alternatively, the back portion 316 and bottom portion 314 could beformed separately and joined together by a separate hinge structure.

The hinge portion 372 of the embodiment shown includes a pair ofopenings 370 visible in FIG. 22. These openings 370 are preferablyreinforced by metal or plastic grommets or eyelets. These openings 370provide additional attachment points for fasteners, as well as providingdrainage ports for water that could otherwise collect in the hingeportion 372.

The back portion 316 includes a pair of riser portions 326 on oppositeends, as seen in the top view of FIG. 21. The riser portions 326 providesupport for the central cushioned portion 324 that acts as an ergonomicback rest. The riser portions 326 may be formed from any suitablestructure that provides vertical and lateral support for the centralcushioned portion 324. In the embodiment shown, riser inserts 368 aresewn within pockets formed in the covering 320, as shown in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 23. These riser inserts 368 may be formedfrom relatively rigid materials such as hard plastic, wood, or metal.

There are no cross members across the back portion 316. Instead, theentire structural support for the back portion 316 is provided by theriser portions 326, the pad 322, and flexible belts 318.

Attachment of the seat cushion 310 to the bleacher 312 is accomplishedas follows. First, the seat cushion 310 is connected to the attachmentclamp 336 by threading the front jaw 344 through the loop 366 in belt364 on the bottom surface of the bottom portion 314. The front jaw 344may then be placed in engagement with the bleacher 312 in the desiredlocation with the front portion of the bleacher 312 retained by thefront horizontal leg 358 and front vertical leg 356 of the front jaw344. The long horizontal leg 354 should rest on the top surface of thebleacher 312 and should run generally from the front of the bleacher 312to the rear of the bleacher 312 in a generally perpendicular alignment.The rear jaw 342 can then be secured to the front jaw 344 by insertingthreaded fastener 346 though the rear jaw 342 into the threaded receiver360 and then tightening the threaded fastener 346. A wrench may be usedto provide additional leverage in tightening the threaded receiver 360.The bleacher 312 should be securely captured between the front jaw 344and the rear jaw 342, thereby fastening the attachment clamp 336 to thebleacher 312. The seat cushion 310 is secured to the clamp 336 by virtueof loop 366 being retained by the long horizontal leg 354. To furthersecure the seat cushion 310 to the clamp 336, a zip tie, or similarattachment may threaded between loop 340 on the rear of the back portion316 and the slot 362 near the top of the vertical leg 348 of the rearjaw 342.

The belts 318 can be adjusted to limit the distance the back portion 316will pivot rearward. Typically a user will adjust the belts 318 so thatthe back portion 316 will not pivot much beyond a perpendicularorientation. When not in use, the belts 318 may be shortened to that theback portion 316 retained close to the bottom portion 314 in a closedstorage position. In this closed storage position the back portion 316covers and protects a portion of the bottom portion 314 from rain, dust,and sun exposure to improve the life of the bottom portion 314. Theoverall profile of the seat cushion 310 is also lowered in the closedstorage position, to reduce the strain caused by wind.

When the seat cushion 310 is in place on the bleacher 312, it allows auser to sit more comfortably than on a plain bleacher 312. The bottomportion 314 provides cushioning and the back portion 316 providessupport for the user's back. Because there are no hard cross membersspanning across the back portion person's walking, sitting, or standingin the aisle behind the seat cushion 310 need not worry about bangingtheir shin or other part of their leg on a hard cross-member.

The seat cushion 310 may be easily removed from the bleacher 312 forstorage. It is contemplated that users may leave the seat cushion 310 inplace on the bleacher 312 during an entire season, and then remove theseat cushion 310 during the off season. Of course, user's may choose toleave the seat cushion 310 attached more or less permanently, or may beremoved after each event. To remove the seat cushion 310, the threadedfastener 346 is loosened, typically with a wrench, and the jaws 342 and344 of the clamp 336 are spread apart and disengaged from the bleacher312.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A seat cushion for removable attachment to a bleacher, the seatcushion comprising: a bottom cushioned portion adapted to set on anupwardly facing surface of a bleacher, the bottom cushioned portionhaving a bottom surface for resting on the bleacher; an attachmentmember connected to the bottom surface of the bottom cushioned portionhaving a receiving portion adapted to removably receive an attachmentmechanism above the upwardly facing surface of the bleacher for securingthe bottom cushioned portion to a bleacher, the attachment mechanismcomprising a first jaw for engaging a front portion of said bleacher, asecond jaw for engaging a rear portion of said bleacher, and atightening member for drawing said first and second jaws together tocapture said bleacher between said first and second jaws; a back portionflexibly connected to said bottom cushioned portion to rotate in a planegenerally radial from the bottom cushioned portion when said bottomcushioned portion is secured to a bleacher; and a flexible constraintelement for preventing said back portion from rotating beyond a desiredangle with respect to said bottom cushioned portion.
 2. The seat cushionaccording to claim 1, wherein said back portion is free from any rigidcross members.
 3. The seat cushion according to claim 1, wherein saidflexible constraint element comprises a belt of adjustable lengthspanning between said bottom cushioned portion and said back portion. 4.The seat cushion according to claim 1, wherein said flexible constraintelement comprises a pair of belts; each of said belts being adjustablein length; each of said belts further spanning from said bottomcushioned portion to said back portion.
 5. The seat cushion according toclaim 1, wherein: said bottom cushioned portion comprises a seat padenclosed by a seat covering; said back portion comprises a backrest padenclosed by a backrest covering; and said backrest covering and saidseat covering are formed from a single piece of covering material, suchthat said single piece of covering material flexibly connects said backportion to said bottom cushioned portion.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The seatcushion according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member is a loopand wherein said attachment mechanism is slideable through said loop ina mating engagement.
 8. The seat cushion according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second constraint element between said attachment mechanismand said back portion to maintain said back portion in a generallyupright orientation.
 9. The seat cushion according to claim 8 whereinsaid second constraint element comprises a zip tie.
 10. A bleachercushion assembly, the bleacher cushion assembly comprising: anattachment bracket for selective attachment to a bleacher; a bottomcushioned portion having a bottom surface for resting on a surface ofthe bleacher, an attachment member connected to the bottom surface andremovably connecting said attachment bracket to provide a cushionedseating location on said bleacher; a backrest portion flexibly connectedto said bottom cushioned portion to rotate in a generally radial planefrom the bottom cushioned portion to an upright seating position, saidbackrest portion having sufficient integral vertical support to maintainitself in a vertical orientation without collapse, and said backrestportion being free from rigid cross members; and a flexible constraintelement to prevent said backrest portion from rotating rearwardly beyondsaid upright seating position.
 11. The bleacher cushion assembly ofclaim 10, wherein said backrest portion comprises: a pair of laterallyspaced apart risers; a central cushioned portion between said risers;and a backrest cover covering and binding together said risers and saidcentral cushioned portion, said backrest cover further acting as aflexible connection between said backrest portion and said bottomcushioned portion.
 12. The bleacher cushion assembly of claim 10,wherein said flexible constraint element comprises a belt of adjustablelength having a first end operably connected to said bottom cushionedportion and a second end operably connected to said backrest portion.13. The bleacher cushion assembly of claim 10, wherein said attachmentbracket comprises: a front jaw, said front jaw including a front hookportion for engaging a front portion of said bleacher, a long horizontalleg extending from said hook portion to a location near a rear portionof said bleacher when said front jaw is in engagement with the frontportion of said bleacher, and a generally upwardly extending rear leg; arear jaw for engaging a rear portion of the bleacher, said rear jawincluding a generally upwardly extending leg in close proximity to saidgenerally upwardly extending rear leg of said front jaw; and atightening member for drawing said generally upwardly extending legstogether to secure said jaws to said bleacher.
 14. The bleacher cushionassembly of claim 10, wherein: said bottom cushioned portion comprises aseat pad enclosed by a seat covering; said backrest portion comprises abackrest pad enclosed by a backrest covering; and said backrest coveringand said seat covering are formed from a single piece of coveringmaterial, such that said single piece of covering material flexiblyconnects said back portion to said bottom cushioned portion.
 15. Thebleacher cushion assembly of claim 10, wherein said attachment bracketcomprises: a first jaw for engaging a front portion of said bleacher; asecond jaw for engaging a rear portion of said bleacher; and atightening member for drawing said first and second jaws together tocapture said bleacher between said first and second jaws.